Jan Manarite, Your PC.help
Did You Know?
- Pharmacists in the USA must have a doctorate in pharmaceuticals. This usually takes about 6 years of study, and is called a PharmD. REF
- A Pharmacy Technician is different – a high school diploma is required. Additional training and certification can vary. REF
- Interactions with drugs can include some foods. Grapefruit Juice, for example, can cause interactions with many drugs, including some statins. REF
- Some drug interactions can be handled by taking them at different times of the day. Ask your pharmacist, and your prescribing doctor about this. REF
As a caregiver for my husband’s metastatic prostate cancer, I did not understand the knowledge that pharmacists had until I was several years into his care. I didn’t know they had to have a PharmD (doctorate of pharmacy). The American Pharmacy Association states that “Pharmacists are highly educated and trusted healthcare providers, serving an essential role on the healthcare team” REF
Once I understood these things, I spent more time talking with his pharmacists – either in person or on the phone. The fact that he had a Specialty Pharmacy and a Local Retail Pharmacy was a little confusing at first, but I eventually learned to talk with both pharmacists and make sure they had an updated list of medications. In addition, if my husband had a hospital stay, that was a third pharmacist. Some doctors’ offices also have their own pharmacy. I had to talk to, and connect all of them to have peace of mind that he was well taken care of, concerning his medications.
Working the medical system as a caregiver can be hard. Working the medical system as a cancer patient can be truly exhausting. But there are ways to make it work for you, and serve you better. Talking with your pharmacist is one of them…
More Than One Pharmacy? Who Connects them?
Your Prostate Cancer. Help 